Further Reflections

THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA DECEPTION

New York voters handed a defeat to drug legalization proponents on Nov. 4
by refusing to allow the medical use of marijuana. This decision speaks
well of an informed electorate, who may have watched with concern when
legalization efforts prevailed in California and Arizona in November 1996.
Clearly, a statebystate campaign is under way to legalize drug use. As
voices of drug proponents are heard, it is important for local government.
to keep this issue in front of the people by taking a stand in favor of our
current drug policy.

Legalization efforts will undoubtedly continue, as activists portray their
efforts as an attempt to provide compassionate pain relief to millions of
suffering Americans.

Lawenforcement officials are concerned because of the effects of this
deception. Our struggle with drug abuse has taught us a sobering lesson:
Drug use increases dramatically when people believe that such use is an
acceptable norm.

The legalization movement, with its confusing message about the beneficial
properties of substances like marijuana, can cause a decrease in the
perception of risk.

The Partnership for a DrugFree America reported the results of a recent
survey which showed that, as young people begin to perceive drugs as
dangerous, drug use drops proportionately.

Conversely, when young people get the message that drugs are helpful and
should be legalized, their drug usage increases. Legalization tells our
children that adults believe that drugs can be used responsibly and even
for fun.

With such an atmosphere it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to reach
children and convince them that "doing drugs" is dangerous.

Illicit use of drugs by Americans fell from an estimated 24 million users
in 1979 to an estimated 13 million users in 1994. Education, leadership and
vigorous enforcement of the law made the difference then.

This combination can make the difference again.

The law enforcement community asks the advocates of legalization to answer
these questions:

Should all drugs be legalized?

If not, who will determine which ones are legal and which will remain
unacceptable?

Who decides age limits, proper amounts and means of distribution for the
formerly illegal drugs?

Do you want to live next door to a drug franchise shop?

Who will bear liability for damages caused by drug use and its attendant
activities?

When freewheeling drug use becomes acceptable, who bears the social costs
of health care, family disintegration and child neglect?

Our laws are crafted by individuals who are committed to doing the right
thing in their communities, who are dedicated to the greater good, and who
educate themselves on the issues which face all of our citizens, especially
children.

Police officials are ready and willing to fulfill their sworn duty to serve
citizens of the law.

John L. Gray, Chief of Police, Altoona.